Bhubaneswar: On the instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the fertilizer supply situation across Odisha has been significantly strengthened ahead of the 2025 Kharif season. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment confirmed that there is no shortage and farmers have been urged not to panic over false reports of artificial scarcity.
As per the department’s Kharif crop plan, cultivation has been targeted over 58.50 lakh hectares — including 34.94 lakh hectares for paddy and 23.56 lakh hectares for non-paddy crops. To meet this requirement, a total of 10.00 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of fertilizers was planned for the season and submitted to the Centre for allocation.
In response, the Government of India has allocated 9.55 lakh MT of various straight and complex fertilizers to the state. The state government, through coordinated efforts, has ensured that adequate fertilizer stocks are made available to MARKFED, PACS, LAMPCS, and retail dealers before the onset of agricultural operations.
As of April 1, 2025, Odisha had already prepared 2.94 lakh MT of fertilizers across districts. By the end of August, the state was scheduled to receive 8.60 lakh MT — of which 8.10 lakh MT has already arrived. This brings the total availability of fertilizers in the state to 11.04 lakh MT, comprising:
- Urea:84 lakh MT
- DAP:18 lakh MT
- MOP:61 lakh MT
- SSP:34 lakh MT
- NP/NPK/NPKS:05 lakh MT
So far, 8.46 lakh MT has already been sold to farmers, while 2.56 lakh MT remains available across districts. An additional 11,692 MT of urea is currently in transit and will reach cooperative societies (PACS and LAMPCS) within the next two days.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo is conducting regular reviews of the fertilizer supply chain. Fertilizer manufacturers have also been instructed to maintain steady supply to MARKFED, which has been tasked with distribution to local bodies based on need and availability.
Comparative data shows improved performance this year: only 7.03 lakh MT of fertilizers were sold during the same period last year (2024 Kharif).
The State Government has taken a firm stand against the compulsory tagging of nano fertilizers. IFFCO authorities have been directed to stop such practices, ensuring farmers can choose fertilizer grades freely. MARKFED officials have also been instructed to act accordingly.
To crack down on black-market sales and counterfeit fertilizers, the state has activated enforcement teams consisting of officers from Agriculture, Revenue, and Police departments. Surprise inspections are being carried out across retail and wholesale outlets.
So far, 4,546 retail outlets have been inspected, with show-cause notices issued to 1,202 retailers. Additionally, stop-sale notices have been issued in 30 cases, and as per the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, the licenses of 62 dealers have been suspended or cancelled for alleged violations. Stocks have also been seized from the premises of six dealers.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, is directly monitoring the situation. He remains in regular contact with the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and is advising fertilizer companies to ensure smooth supply throughout the season.
The Odisha Government assures farmers of adequate, timely, and quality fertilizer supply during the Kharif season, and warns against misleading rumors of shortage.
